The Sudanese government recently signed an agreement with a guest delegation from the Islamic Development Bank, according to Al-Quds Al-Arabi daily. Under the agreement, a loan would be provided by the bank to the government of Sudan to finance various economic development projects in the country over the next three years.

According to Finance Minister Abdulrahim Hamdi, the loan will total $17.2 million. With $10.7 million, 180 railway freight wagons will be purchased, while $6.5 million will finance various water projects such as: the construction of 200 surface wells: ten deep drinking-water wells: ten reservoirs; and five water dams.

In addition, some of the money will be directed to projects benefiting those displaced by the civil war in Kordufan. This portion will be channeled for the construction 20 schools, ten health-care centers, and two hospitals. —(MENA Report)